Warm up at the Cocoa Bar

Posted on December 20, 2016 by

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Baby it’s cold outside, so warm up your guests with a hot cocoa bar. Have you ever noticed during Christmastime you constantly have people randomly stopping over? I am always prepared for unexpected guests with a hot cocoa bar. I used a vintage sled that I bought at The Lamb’s Tail as the table, which has been one of the most talked-about features of the table. Hot cocoa made from scratch is definitely a winner as opposed to using packets.



The Lamb’s Tail

Posted on December 13, 2016 by

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Over the summer my mum somehow managed to get herself on TheLamb\’s Tail mailing list, and right after seeing how cute it was she talked me into going after we finished apple picking at Blake’s Orchard. The store is in a gorgeous vintage barn and features handmade, one-of-a-kind furniture and décor pieces that are created from salvaged and reclaimed items. My mum and I recently took a trip out to the store again a couple weeks ago to see what they had for the holidays, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Not only was it gorgeously decorated but there were also a lot of unique décor pieces as well as pine, birch and more to get your own house into the holiday spirit. Check out their Facebook page to see what’s new every Thursday. Here’s a peak at The Lambs Tail during Christmas…

Popcorn Gift

Posted on December 9, 2016 by

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I don’t know about you but in my family at the holidays whether it’s at my parent’s or my grandparents house you can always find a big tin of popcorn. The popcorn usually is the three mix (cheddar, butter and caramel), and most of the indulging happens when Christmas movies are on.

 This year we are going with something a little more sophisticated Grand Rapids Popcorn Holiday Signature Sampler which includes:
1 (4 ounce) bag of Butter Popcorn (everyone loves it!)
1 (1 pound) bag of Christmas Crunch Popcorn (my favorite!)
1 (1 pound) bag of Caramel Corn (my brother’s favorite)
1 container Drizzle Popcorn (my mum’s favorite)
2 (4 ounce) bags of Cinnamon Nuts (my dad’s favorite)

I will also be sending this to friends and family who live out of state to give them a little something different from the mitten state.

10 Things to do in Metro Detroit for the Holidays

Posted on December 8, 2016 by

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You know that song… “There’s no place like home for the holidays”? Well to me, that lyric couldn’t be truer. I absolutely love being in Detroit around Christmastime. The city becomes a magical place filled with holiday tradition and plenty of twinkling lights. So if you’re from the Detroit-area or plan to visit during the holidays I hope this list helps guide your activities when you’re in my home sweet home. 10 things to do in Metro Detroit for the holidays:

1. Big Bright Light Show
Buildings in downtown Rochester are covered in glimmering holiday lights, creating a gorgeous Christmas wonderland. Bring popcorn and a thermos of hot cocoa and drive through to enjoy the lights or park and stop by Sanders as you adventure around Main Street and enjoy the view. Don’t forget to stop at Royal Park Hotel to check out their life-size gingerbread house.

2. Ice Skate at Campus Martius

Right in the heart of downtown Detroit you’ll find the Rink at Campus Martius Park. I suggest going at an off-time (i.e. not a weekend), so you don’t have to wait in long lines to skate.

3. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo<!– /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} —

The front half of the zoo is illuminated in more than five million LED lights, including animal sculptures, illuminated trees and more. A family-friendly favorite!

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5. Wayne County Lightfest
Westland is home to the Midwest’s largest and longest drive-through light show, with four miles of more than 47 holiday light displays. A gorgeous event for the entire family, don’t forget the cocoa and popcorn to enjoy the ride! Read my thoughts on the lightfest here.

6. Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Take a lantern-lit journey back in time with the sound of carolers in the distance and the scent of roasting chestnuts. You will find horse-drawn wagons, Model T rides and even Santa himself with live reindeer, it’s no wonder this has becomes one of Michigan’s favorite ways to spend the holidays.

7. Lights along Lake Shore Drive
Grosse Pointe Shores and Grosse Pointe Farms is home to some of the most gorgeous homes at Christmas time. It’s definitely a sight you don’t want to miss.

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Christmas at Crossroads Village offers live entertainment, costumed villagers, model trains (for the Sheldon Coopers of the world), holiday music and more. It’s fun for the whole family.

9. Holiday Walk at Meadowbrook Hall
The manor is transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.
10 . Take a Carriage Ride
If you’re looking for a magical way to explore the streets of Detroit, a Christmas carriage ride may be perfect for you. Hop on a private carriage ride with your significant other or family, and see the city in a whole new way.
*Note: the only things I have not done on the list is are the Holiday Walk at Meadowbrook Hall, Crossroads Village and Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village

Made in Michigan Gift Basket

Posted on December 7, 2016 by

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I’m a big fan of supporting Michigan businesses and this holiday season I decided that neighbors, friends and family would be getting a basket filled with some of my favorite items from Michigan. Some baskets will only contain made in Detroit products, while others will have things from Detroit as well as various other areas of the state.
Here is a sneak peek at one of the baskets which includes:
Sanders Caramel and Chocolate
Faygo RedPop
Better Made Potato Chips
Michigan Mittens
Grand Rapids Popcorn
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